Melrose 9 - 8 Aberavon: Melrose target place in last eight after win over Aberavon

MELROSE officials and players are confident that after two wins in the British and Irish Cup, they can qualify for the quarter-finals of the competition.

They followed up their defeat of Bedford Blues with a close, but deserved victory in a disappointing game at The Greenyards. It was certainly no classic, but for Melrose the performance was as important as the result.

Now Mike Dalgetty, the club’s rugby director, believes Melrose can match the best in the competition. After the hard work to clear the pitch, the Borderers responded with a battling performance that augurs well for the future.

The inclusion of Mark Robertson, Simon Webster, Scott Wight and Lewis Niven was indeed welcome – but Melrose proved that its own talent is equally at home on the big stage.

“That was a massive performance by the boys,” said Dalgetty. “They [Aberavon] are a very good side and a lot of the players train with the Ospreys each day.

“It was not the best game in the world, but the effort our players put in was tremendous. It means that we can go down to London Scottish [next Saturday] with a chance of qualifying.

“To be honest, I do not think that I have seen such a messy game, but our lads were brilliant and we just had to stay disciplined. I am really chuffed.”

The players responded in a game spoiled only by too many stoppages by Irish referee, Eanna O’Dowd, who handed out yellow cards like confetti. John Dalziel and Alun Walker of Melrose both received yellows, while Neil White, Sam Williams, Rhydian Gierat and Chris John were all sinbinned for the visitors.

Wight played a crucial role for Melrose with three penalties while the players defended well when they were asked to do so as Aberavon turned on the pressure.

Dalgetty added: “John Dalziel has not played for eight weeks and he was outstanding and it shows the character of the man.”

Dalziel, who broke his collarbone while playing for the South against the Barbarians in October, was the leader of a pack which battled to the end.

It also marked a return for Mark Robertson, playing his first game in 14 months after a pelvic injury, and he has his eyes set on a return to the Edinburgh team.

Robertson has been helping to coach Peebles, but he stressed: “First and foremost I want to get back playing consistent rugby. I am attached to Boroughmuir and hopefully can get back into the Edinburgh side.

“I am pretty confident that I can get over it. I feel better every week, but the progress is slow.”

Looking back on the game, he said: “I think that the boys are a bit frustrated and we felt that perhaps we should have beaten them by more.”

Aberavon scored the only try through John, and Howard Thomas landed a penalty.

In the end, Melrose emerged with much credit in the knowledge that this competition is so important. Dalgetty summed it up: “That was a big win for Scottish rugby.”